The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

Presidency clarifies Tinubu’s $20bn borrowing request

The presidency on Wednesday dispelled widespread misconceptions surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent correspondence to the National Assembly regarding Nigeria’s 2025–2026 borrowing plan.

Contrary to reports suggesting that the President is seeking to borrow a lump sum of $20 billion, the special assistant to the president on social media, Dada Olusegun, clarified that the communication is being grossly misrepresented.

In a detailed post on his verified X handle, @DOlusegun, Olusegun emphasised that President Tinubu’s request should not be construed as a blanket bid to plunge the nation into another round of massive debt accumulation.

“It is important to, very quickly, clear the misconception about the 2025–2026 MTEF (Medium Term Expenditure Framework) funding, which some people have now tagged as the president borrowing a $20bn lump sum.

“No, the President is not requesting to borrow $20bn, at least not like it has been made to sound”, Olusegun wrote.

According to him, the document transmitted to the National Assembly outlines a comprehensive framework that spans a two-year period—2025 to 2026—covering both federal and state government external financing plans.

“Periodically, nations come up with expenditure frameworks to guide how budgets will be executed over time. For the latest development, Nigeria’s MTEF covers a period of two calendar years: 2025–2026”, he explained

The communication to the National Assembly, Olusegun noted, includes details on how Nigeria, through the Federal Government and the 36 state governments, plans to access external funding for various development projects.

For the federal government specifically, one of the core proposals is the raising of $2 billion from the domestic market, targeted at infrastructure investments.

“This is the first of its kind among several other initiatives to bridge the infrastructural gap in the country,” Olusegun stated.

He also clarified the constitutional and procedural context of the financing plan, stressing that state governments are not permitted to seek international funding without federal backing.

“States cannot access international funding without the Federal Government as a guarantor, and as such, the Senate must approve all forms of external borrowing through the FG,” he said.

To streamline the legislative process and avoid repeated borrowing requests, the government has opted to present all projected external borrowing needs—federal and state—within a single framework.

“It reeks of an absolute lack of plan to keep going back to the Senate every month to get approval for external borrowings. As such, all planned borrowings—covering all 36 states and the FG—over the next two years, have been presented as one to the National Assembly”, Olusegun said.

He was quick to point out that approval by the National Assembly does not equate to automatic disbursement or utilization of the entire sum.

“While it is still subject to approval, it also does not mean all such approvals by the NASS will be fully utilised by the various levels of government,” he added.

In defending the rationale behind the borrowing plan, Olusegun reiterated that loans, when used judiciously, remain a vital tool for financing public development efforts.

Read Also: Buhari hails Tinubu at midterm, urges Nigerians to be patient with reforms

“Loans in themselves are not bad instruments of financing public services. What Nigerians must focus on is how such loans are being utilised by the government. These are the questions that should be asked”, he noted.

Olusegun reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to his electoral promises and developmental agenda, stressing that the administration will not shy away from difficult but necessary decisions.

“President Tinubu remains committed to delivering on his electoral promises, and all such paths that must be towed to make it a reality will not be left ‘un-towed’,” he asserted.

The clarification comes as debates intensify in the public space over Nigeria’s debt profile, with analysts urging transparency, strategic planning, and accountability in the government’s fiscal operations.

The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the request in the coming weeks.

May 28, 2025
2027: Obi’s ally dumps LP, joins APC to work for Tinubu’s reelection

Fabian Ozoigbo, an ally of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra state.

Ozoigbo, who was the head of Logistics of the Labour Party, declared that he is ready to work for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 for his efforts in stabilising the country since he assumed office.

He said there is a lack of trust in the Labour Party, while blasting the party for faulting the result as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the last presidential election.

Ozoigbo, who briefed reporters on Wednesday in Awka, said that as a member of the opposition, he had expected Nigeria’s economy to collapse following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

He, however, said that to his admiration, President Tinubu has managed to keep the economy stable.

He said, “As a member of the opposition, I had expected the economy to collapse irretrievably after the removal of fuel subsidy, but that the economy is still on, though with hardships is a puzzle to me.

“I have decided to come close to the government that is holding this economy to observe and take part in this surprising phenomenon.

“My goal is to be part of a new Nigeria that is possible with positive policies that will turn the economy around. Since the economy has not collapsed by now and there are signs of recovery, I want to be part of this economic miracle.”

Ozoigbo said his entry into the APC at a time Anambra is moving towards the November 8 governorship election was timely, especially with the election of a grassroots politician, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, as the candidate.

He said Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife’s entry into the governorship race would make it easy for APC to win Anambra.

“APC in recent times threw up a Trojan horse in the person of Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu as their candidate.

Read Also: 2027: Why coalition against APC may not succeed, by ex-ACF scribe

“His emergence as a grassroots-oriented person, coupled with his philanthropic gestures over the years, has begun to attract people, especially the middle-class citizens of the state, to his quest. My people and I want to be part of it.

“His emergence is a clarion call for all men of goodwill and good conscience to gather together to make the point that Anambra is not for only rich people but for both the rich and the poor.”

Speaking about the 2023 presidential election, Ozoigbo remarked that it is regrettable there is significant distrust among members within the Labour Party.

He stated that it is even worse that, despite all the claims to victory, the Labour Party relied on the same INEC result it had discredited to prove its case in court, and thus faced failure.

May 28, 2025
Buhari hails Tinubu at midterm, urges Nigerians to be patient with reforms

As the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaches its midterm milestone, former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended warm congratulations, while calling on Nigerians to remain patient and resilient in the face of ongoing reforms.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari encouraged citizens to continue supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, emphasizing that effective leadership is a long-term journey that thrives on unity and endurance.

The former president commended Tinubu for navigating the country through difficult but essential reforms, stressing that “desired changes must not fall victim to nettlesome domestic politics.”

He acknowledged the economic strain currently felt by Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable, but stressed that the hardship is not without purpose.

Read Also: Osun 2026: Former Buhari aide Omoworare joins guber race

“Reforms take time to yield results. The task of reducing poverty and inflation, which have hit the poorest families the hardest, is immense and must not be left only for the government. The private sector and all of us as citizens must join in all ways we can”, Buhari said.

The former president’s message comes at a time of both reflection and challenge for the Tinubu administration, which has launched several ambitious economic and institutional reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

While supporters highlight the groundwork being laid for long-term prosperity, critics have questioned the immediate impact on living standards.

Buhari, who handed over to Tinubu in May 2023, offered a tempered but encouraging outlook.

“Our expectations from our governments should not get heavy,” he cautioned, calling for balanced civic engagement and collective responsibility in nation-building.

“I am wishing President Tinubu heartfelt congratulations on his two years in office. May you keep leading with wisdom and care”, the former president prayed.

May 28, 2025
Tinubu celebrates Alhaji Erogbogbo at 99

…hails his life of service, integrity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Alhaji Ashafa Ajibola Erogbogbo on the occasion of his 99th birthday, praising the nonagenarian’s life of unwavering service, dignity, and principle.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Alhaji Erogbogbo for embodying the values of discipline, integrity, and compassion throughout a remarkable personal and professional journey that has spanned almost a century.

“Alhaji Erogbogbo has led a life worthy of celebration. His story is one of steadfast dedication—to family, to work, and to his community. As he turns 99, I join family, friends, and well-wishers across the nation in celebrating a life well lived”, President Tinubu stated.

Born in 1926, Alhaji Erogbogbo began his working life at the Government Printing Press in Lagos before joining the Nigerian Customs Service.

In 1954, he moved into the private sector, beginning what would become a storied career with Shell Company of Nigeria Limited.

It was in Shell’s aviation division that his diligence and leadership were most prominently felt.

Rising steadily through the ranks, Alhaji Erogbogbo held key positions across Northern Nigeria, serving as District Manager in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina.

Read Also: Groups hail Minister for interpreting Tinubu’s agenda in innovation science, technology

He later returned to Lagos, where he culminated his career as Aviation Superintendent at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

President Tinubu particularly praised Alhaji Erogbogbo’s commitment to family and community, highlighting the strength of his legacy through the achievements of his children.

Among them is Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who the President noted has upheld the values of public service, intellect, and purposeful leadership instilled by her father.

“As a devoted father and community pillar, Alhaji Erogbogbo has passed on a rich heritage of discipline and compassion. His impact lives on through his children and grandchildren who continue to contribute meaningfully to society,” the President said.

“I thank Almighty Allah for granting you long life and being alive to witness the achievements of your children and grandchildren. I pray that you continue to enjoy good health and peace in the company of your loved ones. May you cross the centennial mark in good health and sound mind”, President Tinubu added.

May 28, 2025
Groups hail Minister for interpreting Tinubu’s agenda in innovation science, technology

Interest groups in the Southeast and Southsouth have praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its massive investments in science, technology and innovation.

The Southern Youths Development Forum, Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Igbo in Diaspora stated this in a joint statement on Tuesday said such investments would create jobs, ginger the economy and set Nigeria on the path of technological advancement.

The statement by Bassey James of Southern Youths Development Forum and Emeka Obielom for Igbo in Diaspora also hailed the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakabie for helping the administration inteprete it’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the sector.

According to the statement, Nwakabie has used the ministry to drive the federal government’s vision by building bridges between Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and global centers of excellence.

The statement reads in parts: “The Honourable Minister is intentionally and commitedly devoted to interpreting the vision and agenda of the Tinubu administration in the areas of innovation, science and technology.

“His visits and partnership with global centres of excellence such as the Siemens Innovation Center in UAE, promotion of research and support for creativity have marked him as the right man for the job.

“The Minister’s engagements are focused on strategic opportunities in Smart Technologies, Hydrogen and Carbon Technologies, AI-Enabled Systems, and Human Capital Development.

Read Also: Tinubu fulfills pledge as GEIL completes Ogoni oil terminal

“These critical areas align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable economic growth and innovation-driven prosperity”.

“He has gone further in exploring advanced research at Khalifa University’s cutting-edge laboratories, which will position Nigeria at the forefront of innovation on the African continent.

“Besides he has secured global collaborations that will power Nigeria’s future, create jobs, and expand the frontiers of local technology development”.

The groups commended upcoming African Raw Materials Summit, led by Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ikemounso, DG/CEO of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, with the support of the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology.

The statement added that the summit will foster local value addition and stimulate essential policy reforms.

“One such initiative is the proposed mandate for at least 30% raw material optimization before export, a step that can significantly enhance local economies.

“This summit presents a valuable platform to raise awareness and inspire collaborative efforts across the continent. By promoting constructive discussions and actionable strategies, Africa has the potential to truly harness its resources for the benefit of its people and future generations”.

May 28, 2025
Tinubu hails Amaechi’s service to nation at 60

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday felicitations to former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, as he marked his 60th birthday on Tuesday, May 27.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Amaechi’s unwavering dedication to public service, describing him as a prominent political figure whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the governance of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

“President Bola Tinubu rejoices with Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, a prominent politician and former Minister of Transportation, on his 60th birthday on May 27,” the statement reads.

Reflecting on Amaechi’s storied political career, Tinubu noted the former Minister’s notable achievements as Rivers Speaker and his two-term tenure as Governor.

Read Also: Tinubu seeks National Assembly’s nod for 2025-2026 external borrowing, domestic bond

He particularly acknowledged Amaechi’s leadership role as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a position from which he coordinated intergovernmental relations and policy harmonization across the 36 states.

The President also lauded Amaechi’s service at the federal level, where he served as Minister of Transportation under President Muhammadu Buhari for eight years.

During his tenure, Amaechi spearheaded major infrastructural projects, including the revival of Nigeria’s rail transport system and modernization of key transport corridors.

Tinubu prayed for long life, good health, and continued success for the former minister, expressing confidence in Amaechi’s enduring relevance in the nation’s political landscape.

“President Tinubu prays for more years and God’s grace for the former minister and wishes him well in his political career,” the statement concluded.

Amaechi, who has been a central figure in Nigeria’s political scene for over two decades, is regarded as one of the nation’s most influential South-South leaders.

He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was a key figure in the coalition that brought the party to power in 2015.

May 28, 2025
Tinubu seeks National Assembly’s nod for 2025-2026 external borrowing, domestic bond

• Funds meant for infrastructure, clearing of pension arrears, others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking approval for the implementation of three types of borrowing to finance critical government projects in the face of financial constraints.

The three types of borrowing are: capital grazing funds, the FGN 2025-2026 external borrowing plan, and a request for approval for issuance of domestic bond to fund retirees’ pensions through the Contributory Pension scheme.

In three separate letters to the National Assembly read by the presiding officer of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the President has requested for approval to borrow $2 billion for capital grazing funds, $21,543,647,912, 2,193,856,324.50 Euro, 15 billion Japanese yen, a grant of 65 million Euro and N757,983,246,571.

One of the letters reads: “The House of Representatives is invited to note that the 2025-2026 borrowing plan covers all sectors with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth, security, and employment generation, as well as financial and monetary reforms, among others.

“The total facility of the programme under the borrowing plan is $21,543,647,912, and also EURO 2,193,856,324.54, in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million Euro, respectively.

READ ALSO: Celebrating President Tinubu’s remarkable two years in office

“In the light of the removal of the fuel subsidy and its impact on the national economy, approval is called for the borrowing plan, which amounts to $21,543,647,912, and EURO 2,193,856,324.54. And in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million, respectively.

“This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as to improve the livelihoods of Nigerian. Majority of these projects and programmes will be implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and the power of financial resources needed to address this gap amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall.

“These funds will primarily be directed towards critical infrastructural projects, including railways, healthcare, among others. Given the market nature of these needs and the importance of stabilising the economy, it is crucial to seek the consideration and approval of the House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 External Borrowing Plan.

“This will enable the government to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people through timely disbursement and effective project implementation.”

The President also asked the lawmakers to approve the issuance of a domestic bond to offset the liabilities of retirees under the contributory pension scheme.

He recalled that governments in the past failed to meet the obligations set out in the Pension Reforms Act.

The letter added: “The Federal Government is requesting the approval of the National Assembly for the issuance of Federal Government of Nigeria bonds in the domestic market by the Debt Management Office (DMO) to settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“I write to request for the kind approval of the National Assembly for the issuance of Federal Government of Nigeria bonds in the domestic market by the Debt Management Office to settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme as of February 2023 in the sum of N757,983,246,572…”

Also, President Tinubu has requested the House to approval the establishment of a foreign currency-denominated issuance programme in the domestic debt market.

The proposed capital raise of up to $2 billion would be implemented by the DMO in line with the Presidential Executive Order on Foreign Currency Denominated Financial Instruments, Local Issues Programme, 2023.

The President said the proceeds from the bond would be deployed into critical sectors of the economy capable of driving growth, enhancing infrastructure, creating employment, and boosting foreign exchange inflows, adding that the initiative would offer dollar-denominated investment opportunities for local investors, deepen Nigeria’s financial market, and strengthen foreign reserves while promoting exchange rate stability.

May 28, 2025
Tinubu calls for community involvement in child protection
- Unveils See Something, Say Something, Do Something initiative
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday marked this year’s Children’s Day with a call for nationwide community involvement in child protection.

He unveiled a new public awareness initiative titled:“See Something, Say Something, Do Something”. The initiative is aimed at deepening the culture of vigilance and responsibility for children’s safety across the country.

In a statement, President Tinubu declared: “Our children’s safety cannot be solely anchored on government policies but on community vigilance. This is why I am launching a nationwide ‘See Something, Say Something, Do Something’ campaign today, encouraging every Nigerian to become a child protection champion.”

The campaign was announced as part of the President’s broader address on the theme of this year’s Children’s Day, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

Tinubu described the theme as timely, noting that it “speaks directly to the culture we are building—a culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities.”

Emphasizing the critical importance of child safety, the President pointed to alarming statistics.

“Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right”, he stated.

Read Also: MOJEC: Nigeria First Policy signals, economic advancement

Tinubu reaffirmed the administration’s “constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect his rights, and nurture his dreams.”

He added that child protection remains a central pillar under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Reeling out government initiatives to this end, the President noted the implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which he personally launched.

He described the plan as “a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.”

Tinubu also highlighted ongoing legislative efforts, revealing that the government is reviewing the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand their scope, strengthen provisions, and ensure consistent implementation nationwide.

He affirmed that these efforts will be bolstered by full enforcement of the Cybercrime Act to combat online bullying and child exploitation.

“Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today”, the President emphasized.

According to the President, all 36 states have now domesticated the Child Rights Act—a major milestone reflecting what he called Nigeria’s “collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children.”

However, he cautioned, “Laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children. We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.”

To support this approach, President Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government is scaling up the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), a real-time digital tool for tracking and responding to child protection cases.
May 28, 2025
Tinubu, minister lauded for outstanding leadership

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, James Goleng, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for their outstanding leadership, which he says is drawing political decampees into the APC from across Nigeria.

Speaking to reporters in Jos, Goleng, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said President Tinubu’s administration is steadily transforming Nigeria and repositioning it for effective governance, especially in areas of security and socio-economic development.

He noted improvements in the security situation across the Northeast, Northwest, and Middle Belt regions, attributing them to President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Goleng warmly welcomed new members defecting to the APC, saying the growing support reflects the party’s strong momentum ahead of the 2027 general election. He emphasised that the APC is strategically planning to reclaim power in Plateau State and expand its national dominance.

According to Goleng, the APC remains the majority party in Plateau State at both the state and federal levels, holding significant positions in the House of Representatives and Senate. He also highlighted the appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former APC gubernatorial candidate, as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, describing his performance as impactful and promising for Nigerians living below the poverty line.

Goleng stressed that the Ministry’s new initiatives, aimed at poverty alleviation, will further strengthen APC’s chances in future elections and boost public trust in the administration.

Read Also: Nigeria’s economic reforms yielding results , says AfDB

Reflecting on his political journey, Goleng revealed that he won the Kanke LG chairmanship election by a landslide, but his victory was allegedly overturned by the PDP-led government under Governor Caleb Mutfwang. He described this as undemocratic and accused the PDP of manipulating the process to install their preferred candidate.

Despite the setback, Goleng insisted that the APC maintains strong grassroots support across Plateau’s 17 LGAs and remains poised for a significant comeback in 2027.

He urged Nigerians to vote wisely and support the APC to enjoy the continued dividends of democracy. He also applauded the recent wave of defections, saying it affirms public confidence in APC’s ideology and the leadership style of President Tinubu.

Drawing an analogy, Goleng likened the APC to a mango tree heavy with ripe fruits, attracting those in search of better opportunities. He described President Tinubu as a visionary leader, likening his knowledge and governance approach to that of an expert agronomist who understands how to nurture and cultivate a productive nation.

According to Goleng, it is this pragmatic leadership that is drawing political figures to the APC in increasing numbers, as they seek a platform where they can better serve their people and advance their political careers.

May 28, 2025
Still much to do

•26 years on, democracy is alive and promises to be well

Just now, some buzz has taken over a section of the country that a one-party state is in the offing. This voice is coming from a quarter of jittery hypocrisy, a voice that once beat its chest about its own legitimate hegemony.

Hence, we can say that, in the past 26 years, we have weathered a lot as a polity, and one of such stridencies is of the tenor of those who, today, are advancing fears of an apocalypse for this republic.

We have to say that such voracious rage about our democratic surrender to a party state stems from two things. One, a fear of one man. Two, the incompetence and beggary wisdom of an opposition that has run into confusion because it lacks the way out of its self-imposed rut.

Rather than look inward and chart a way in a democratic nature, they are accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of autocracy. How that can be justified has not been addressed.

The president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the target of this cartoonish abuse. The bitterness of the colossal stumble in the 2023 polls and series of steps to reverse a clear mandate are carrying itself over to the rhetoric and calculations of an opposition. They should play opposition, play opponent but should not play poison. That is what is more dangerous than the so-called fear of opposition as the embittered are orchestrating.

Is this crybaby attitude part of democracy? Of course, it is. Democracy abides a lot, from the heroic, to the rawboned, to the softie. They are the grist of a system that reflects the range and plenitude of any society.

That’s why we say that, not in spite of the one-party hysteria but because of it, democracy is all well and healthy in 2025. The call does not endanger democracy. It strengthens it. It affirms our tendencies to quarrels, contentions, variance, disputes and upwellings of malice. These sentiments stand side by side with the sublimity of ideas, moral poses and poises, works of empathy, humour and heartaches of harmony.

We have been at it since 1999 when the first vote was cast and the first president and local government chairmen replaced the contraptions of the soldier. We have stumbled, and often still stumble. We have seen many bloodsheds but not always as watersheds, we have had impunity but we have also thrown up humility in our attitudes to each other. We have seen bigots flex and their followers roar but also we have witnessed men embrace both the Bible and Quran. Tribes and tongues have continued to differ but we still defer to the idea of brothers.

When we had our elections in the early cycles, they were seen, in the words of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as do-or-die affairs, a foul language that no role model should utter. We saw elections as the beginning and the end of violence. Men organised elections as though an army going to war. They made plans for them with weapons but the uniforms were the identity of ferocious language, their style of rapine and mayhem. So, arson followed, innocents died from bullets and houses went up in flames. Streets crawled with corpses and fear. Ballot papers became the currency not of victory alone but also of personal triumph. The more ballot papers stolen, the greater the chances of winning.

Elections were no pictures of the people’s wishes for most part, but the endorsement of private cruelty of a select few. Public villains strutted as role models.

But today, some of that has gone away. Ballot papers are of less value as they were 15 years ago. Technology has seen to that. With BVAS and biometrics, identity now is not about big men skulking in the shadows but the people coalescing in the vote into one voice: that of the majority. That is a bit exaggerated but it speaks to the progress we have made, especially in the past decades.

We are not in that place where militants in the Niger Delta turned into recruitments of boys of plunder for the service of political wheel horses. We are not in that era when a politician made idle men in Borno State into an alternative society until they posed so great a threat that even a governor yelled for help because they had bastardised a faith and mauled our values.

Read Also: Minister Olawande, Tinubu’s precious gift to Nigerian youths — Ododo’s aide

Political parties continue to bloom, but we have lamented the absence of ideology. That might be an overblown expectation because we are thinking in western tropes in terms of liberal tradition and conservative retreats. Some scholars still insist that our political elite must fashion home-grown ideas that may well make our democracy truly authentic and hug our history and culture. That might be on the way, but the signs are not yet in the open.

The rule of law has also been a thing regarded with disdain, from the bombing of Odi, the flouting of court orders and the corruption of judges. This has stained out human rights aspirations. Good news is that quite a few judges have come down on the hammer, although we believe more of it will cleanse the system. But it points to a better day. Human rights questions arise after investigations in assassinations have hit dead ends. For instance, Bola Ige’s murder has retreated into moans of regrets amidst institutional impotence. We have seen cases of police and soldiers acting above the law as well.

We have also watched, in spite of these, a sense of devotion to the idea of the vote. That is significant because the majority of Nigerians would rather have a flawed democracy than any military regime. When late President Umaru Yar’ Adua was dying, the idea of the doctrine of necessity was a testament to the democratic fidelity of, at least, this generation.

Elections continued to stand as the bellwether of democracy in the past quarter century. But we must not confuse it or conflate it for democracy, which entails more, like the recruitment of bright and audacious men and women, the encompassment of rural Nigeria that has been much neglected through tokenism, the elevation of values over money and the entrenchment of a fair system that deemphasises faith and tribe by taking the best of them rather than bigotry.

May 28, 2025